Is weight loss surgery for you?
Weight loss surgery may help you if —
- Your weight is significantly greater than you would like it to be
- You find it difficult to lose weight by diet and exercise
- You are concerned about the health consequences of your weight
- Your weight affects your quality of life
Surgery for morbid obesity (bariatric surgery) has helped many people lose weight in excess of that possible by diet, and maintain that weight loss. It can dramatically improve your quality of life. It can also overcome or improve medical conditions associated with obesity such as —
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sleep apnoea
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Infertility
- Joint problems
- Urinary incontinence
Quality of life after weight loss surgery can be improved in many ways. Examples are —
- Enhanced mobility
- Less depression
- Less social isolation
- Improved sexual function
- Improved employment performance
- Easier choices for clothing
Generally accepted criteria for weight loss surgery are BMI greater than 40 or BMI greater than 35 with a weight related medical condition. Work out your BMI by entering your details into the boxes below and then press "Calculate" —
If you are troubled by obesity and are looking for a life-long solution, please discuss this with your family doctor or contact our clinic directly for an appointment.
Surgical options for obesity are explained in detail in our patient information booklet (pdf, 0.8MB).
